The pre-nationalisation rolling stock of the K&ESR most decidedly added to the Railway’s eccentric charm. Most of it either disappeared during the scrap drives of the Austen era or met a fiery fate at Headcorn in 1948. Even the two ex-L&SWR corridor coaches, purchased from the Southern Railway, and which were taken into Southern Region stock, were long gone by the time the Robertsbridge - Tenterden section closed in 1961 and preservation efforts began.

The history of coach preservation on the K&ESR falls into three phases:

1964-76. Initial acquisition of pre-grouping and grouping era vehicles for use during the early years following re-opening of the line.

1977-90. Acquisition and extensive use of ex-BR Mark 1 vehicles.

1991 to present. Entry into service of the Victorian train and the beginning of a shift towards a greater use of vintage vehicles but with Mark 1 coaches retained.

The term ‘vintage’ is, in railway terms, less precise than its road equivalent, but may be regarded as pre-nationalisation vehicles of any date. The restoration of the ex-SE&CR Family Saloon was very much the ‘flagship’ of the increased emphasis on vintage vehicles. This has led on to other projects and it is intended to undertake other work to similarly high standards.

Like most Heritage Railways, the K&ESR is heavily reliant on its ex-BR Mark 1s for core services and peak loads. Their carrying capacity and gangways are just too useful. Whilst the number of working vintage vehicles is steadily increasing, resources permitting, the Mark 1’s are, with the passage of time, becoming of historic interest in their own right .
Vehicles are listed under the name of their original owning company and identified by the number they carry at the time of writing. In the case of un-numbered or unrestored vehicles the K&ESR fleet number is given.